Remodel Ideas Archives - Your Colorado Springs Realtor

Choosing the Right Paint Colors

Hilary — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 01:07:01 +0000

Choosing the Right Paint Colors

It Really All Comes Down To What You Like

By HILARY JOHNSON

Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Colors

When painting a new home, or simply updating the décor of your current home, a little paint can go a long way. Choosing the right colors can seem like a daunting task, but it really all comes down to what you like.

Rule #1: Go with What You Love

No matter what, the most important part of choosing the right paint colors is to choose what you like the best. After all, you’re the one that has to live with it. If you like bold colors, don’t be afraid to show it. Bold colors can be quite attractive in any home, old or new. Play off the colors of your furnishings and any architectural pieces (such as molding) and go wild.

If you like bold colors but aren’t sure that you would like them on your walls, consider using them as accents throughout your home. For example, you could have one accent wall painted bright red or blue. Or you could paint bookshelves or furniture with the bold colors and keep your walls neutral.

Create Contrast

If you are looking to paint your door frames and other built-in fixtures, create contrast by painting these a different color. For door frames and molding, consider painting them the same color but a shade or two lighter to create eye-catching contrast.

Built-in bookshelves are another great place to create contrast. Consider painting the back of the bookcase a completely different color to create a focal piece that really pops.

Painting your home is a big part of making it your own. The colors you choose really set the mood and atmosphere of your home. So, take your time and go with what you really like.

Stick to a Scheme

Whether you are going with bold colors or sticking to a more neutral palette, you want to stay within the perimeters of a color scheme from room to room. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have rooms be completely different colors, only that the colors are compatible so they are pleasing to the eye and don’t clash.

Staying within a color scheme is made easy in your local home improvement store’s paint section. The sections with the paint cards will often follow color schemes so you can see what colors are compatible.

Test Everything

Sometimes there might be a color that you really like but that just doesn’t work, or one that you think might work but you aren’t really sure. The best way to decide is to try it out first.

Bring home a test can of a few different colors and paint a large section (at least 4ft by 4ft) of each on your walls. Leave it there for a couple days and get a feel for which color you really like in your house.

Every color is going to look a little different in your specific room and will change depending on the lighting, which is why it’s important to see it through a couple days.

The post Choosing the Right Paint Colors appeared first on Your Colorado Springs Realtor.

Window Replacement

Hilary — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:53:12 +0000

Window Replacement

Things You Need to Know

By HILARY JOHNSON

Things You Need to Know about Window Replacement

Updating your windows can be done for a variety of different reasons. Maybe your windows are not properly blocking the weather and keeping your heat and cooling inside, or perhaps you just want to update the look of your home.

Replacing your windows has many benefits. It can increase the energy efficiency of your home, and also the value of your home. However, to save time and money, there are some things you need to know before you begin.

Energy Star Rated Products

First and foremost, when you are looking for your new windows and insulation products, you will want to look for Energy Star rated products. These products guarantee more energy-efficient products that will save you money and help prevent energy loss. Not only that, but some Energy Star products can qualify you for a tax credit, so keep all of your receipts.

Window replacement may seem like an easy task before it begins, but you will soon learn that it can be a lot more involved than it seems.

Figure Out How Much Needs to Be Replaced

One big decision that you have to make when redoing your windows is whether or not the entire window unit needs to be replaced. If the framing around the window is still structurally sound, you might be able to get away with replacing just the window itself as well as some of the fixtures.

If the framing and sill are rotten or otherwise bad, you are looking a potentially much more expensive project. A simple window replacement can easily be done by yourself, but if the entire structure surrounding the window needs to be replaced, you might want to consult a professional.

Do Your Research

Where you buy your windows and who you have install them is actually very important. Be sure to do your research before choosing a business to go with. Check the Better Business Bureau; ask for references as well as any certifications. A good business will have these things readily available to you, and will answer all of your questions thoroughly and happily.

No matter what kind of windows you buy, even if they are top of the line, if the installation is not done properly it won’t matter.

Other Tips

Before you even think about ordering parts, make sure you accurately measure your window. Measure every part of it, including the width of the frame, the height and width of the window itself, and jamb to jamb.

You will also need to use a special tool to determine the angle of the window sill. Look for double or even triple paned windows. The extra panes insulate better, especially in very hot or cold climates. This can save you money on heating and cooling costs.

Strongly consider adding storm windows. Not only do they protect your windows from the elements, but they also add an additional barrier against energy loss.

Insulation is very important. Make sure you have adequately caulked around the window and frame.

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Ideas for Converting Your Basement into a Livable Space

Hilary — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:37:02 +0000

Ideas for Converting Your Basement

Into a Livable Space

By HILARY JOHNSON

Ideas for Converting Your Basement

Into a Livable Space

Finishing your basement and turning it into a livable space not only gives you another room to utilize, but also adds value to your home. Finishing your basement, no matter how you choose to use it, creates a big return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home.

Here are some creative ideas for converting your basement into a livable space:

Recreational Room

Probably the most popular use for a finished basement is turning it into a recreational room. This extra space could be a playroom for kids, an adults-only escape, a man cave, or even a home theater. The basement is a great place to put a big television, pool table, or maybe even a bar. Fill the room with big couches for plenty of seating area. When choosing your flooring, look for practical choices that are easy to clean. Consider concrete flooring, with throw rugs where you want something a bit plusher.

Home Office

The basement is a great place for your home office. With a home office, you can make use of both a large or small space. The basement is a great work area because it tends to be quieter and separate from the rest of the house, which is more conducive to concentration so you can get some work done. For a home office in your basement, make sure you have plenty of soft lighting. You will need enough light to work by, but stay away from clinical fluorescent lighting.

Living Room

A finished basement could easily be converted into a great living or family room area. A few comfortable sofas and chairs and a large mounted television turns this once cluttered and unused space into home-base for your family.

Extra Bedroom

Converting your basement into an extra bedroom is a great use of the space. Even if there isn’t a closet available, you can utilize the extra space to either build your own closet or consider creative open closet ideas that make use of floor and wall space.

Depending on the size and shape of your basement, you can really pull together a nice space for a bedroom. For smaller spaces, make use of wall spaces with shelves and hooks and consider a platform bed with drawers. For larger spaces, fill up the extra space with big, chunky furniture and maybe a seating area.

Efficiency Apartment

An excellent renovation idea is to convert your basement into an efficiency apartment. If there isn’t one already, consider adding a small bathroom and kitchenette to make a completely separate living space. Not only is an efficiency apartment useful for visitors, teenagers, or renters, but the extra bathroom and kitchenette add even more value to your home.

Converting your basement into a livable space is an exciting and lucrative home improvement project. Not only does finishing your basement add to the value of your home, but the extra space will be extremely useful. There are so many things you can convert your basement to; the only problem is figuring out which use of the space is best.

The post Ideas for Converting Your Basement into a Livable Space appeared first on Your Colorado Springs Realtor.

Flooring Trends

Hilary — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 00:24:48 +0000

Flooring Trends

Popular Choices For Flooring To Consider

By HILARY JOHNSON

Flooring Trends

When you are doing renovations to any room in your house, the flooring you choose can make or break your décor. Whether in the kitchen, bedroom, or living areas, the flooring can help create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Here are some very popular choices for flooring to consider when you are doing your home renovations:

Bamboo

Anything eco-friendly has been growing in popularity and will likely continue to be popular for a long time. Bamboo is one of the favorite choices for environmentally-friendly building material, and makes excellent flooring. The light wood offers a bright and clean look to any room. Best of all, bamboo comes from a sustainable source, so you are contributing to a happier, healthier earth as well as your home.

Repurposed Wood

Another environmentally friendly and super trendy choice for flooring is repurposed wood. This flooring has a chic rustic look and looks great throughout the home. Repurposed wood flooring looks somewhat like hardwood, but has a more rustic flair and a bit more character. Even better, using repurposed flooring comes with a free story to tell visitors.

Hardwood

Speaking of hardwood, it never goes out of style. Hardwood is absolutely classic and always looks great in any situation. Not only is it beautiful, but it is practical as well. The only thing that tends to change regarding trends for hardwood is the colors. Right now darker wood and grays are the most popular.

Concrete

An industrial look is another trend that has proven to be not just another passing craze. An industrial-looking floor and appliances with soft, chic adornments is absolutely trendy and the contrasting styles go so well together.

Concrete flooring might sound like an odd choice, but it is very popular. Of course, concrete flooring doesn’t look anything like the floor in a parking lot like you might think. Instead, concrete floors are poured and then shined to a poNew Laminate Optionslished sheen and can easily be painted if desired. Concrete flooring is ultrachic, very practical, and extremely cost effective.

New Laminate Options

For renovators on a budget, there are a lot of new laminate options available. Unlike the laminate flooring of the past, these new laminate flooring options look very much like the real thing. Hardwood laminates, tile laminates, and more are now easily obtained and even easier to install. Not only can they save you tons of money, but they also look amazing.

The flooring throughout your home is a vital part of your décor as well as the part of the home you touch the most. Think of it like your skin, it is the largest organ of the body and what people see of you first.

You want it looking great. A good-looking floor is the stage for the rest of your home, and therefore sets the scene for your décor scheme. A great floor should be comfortable, practical, and beautiful.

With any of these flooring trends, you can have your home updated and looking perfect in no time at all.

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Do It Yourself Office Renovation

Hilary — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:12:04 +0000

Do It Yourself Office Renovation

Your home office is often the center of your professional life

By HILARY JOHNSON

Do It Yourself Office Renovation

Your home office is often the center of your professional life. Creating your ideal home office is not just about aesthetic beauty, but is also about creating a comfortable environment that is more conducive to work and creativity.

Renovating your home office can be a labor of love. Whether you are looking to make big changes or just a cosmetic upgrade, a home office renovation is a great do-it-yourself project.

Here are some ideas for your do-it-yourself office renovation:

Choose Your Color Scheme

The color of your office not only determines the rest of your décor, but can also affect your creativity and work flow. Some colors can make it harder to concentrate or distract you from your work. Neutral colors like beige and grey are always safe, but muted green and pale blue colors can be refreshing as well as calming.

Flooring

You want your home office to be a comfortable and inviting space without being too distracting. Something practical like hardwood makes it easy to maintain in the event of mess, or a simple neutral-colored carpet would be comfortable but also maintain a professional look.

Wall Space

You can make use of your wall space with shelving units to hold your books, files, etc. Bookcases can be used, but can take up a lot of space and look bulky if in a small space. In this case, chose built-in shelving instead.

Furniture

The furniture is the focal piece of your home office. Depending on how much space you have to utilize, you can do a lot with furniture.

First of all, you want to find a desk that not only fits in with your décor, but also provides an adequate and comfortable work space. Make sure that whatever desk you choose will have enough surface space, drawers, and cabinets that you need. Your desk chair is also important; after all, you are likely going to spend a lot of time sitting there so it needs to be comfortable.

If your space allows, it is a good idea to bring in some other seating options as well. For visitors or clients, somewhere comfortable to sit is a must. A sofa or a plush chair really makes use of the space and provides another focal point in the room.

Making Use of Small Spaces

For a home office, you might not have an entire room at your disposal. However, you can make use of a lot of small spaces to create a very effective home office.

For example, you can carve out a little nook as part of your living room or den. Utilize the corner or area behind a sofa to place a desk. If you have a staircase that has a hollowed-out area underneath, there is an often underutilized space to put a desk and a few shelves. A small loft or platform at the top of stairs can be used for office space. You could also consider finishing your attic or basement space to be used as an office.

Home office renovation is a great do-it-yourself project. You can really make your work space your own and create a comfortable area to work in.

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Do It Yourself Kitchen Remodels

Hilary — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 22:59:14 +0000

Do It Yourself Kitchen Remodels

The kitchen is often the main focal point of a home.

By HILARY JOHNSON

Do It Yourself Kitchen Remodels

The kitchen is often the main focal point of a home. If your kitchen is outdated, you might be thinking of a kitchen remodel. There is no need to hire an expensive professional, however. With a little time and patience, you can do your kitchen remodel yourself. If you are careful, you can actually remodel your kitchen and save a lot of money in the meantime.

Here are some tips and ideas for your do-it-yourself kitchen remodel:

Update Instead of Demolish

Instead of ripping out all of your cupboards and cabinets, consider updating the existing cabinets. Sand them down and stain or paint them and replace the hardware to give your cabinets a fresh and updated look. You might be surprised how much difference a fresh coat of paint can make.

Salvage

To save money and stay environmentally friendly, consider getting your cabinets and building materials second hand. You could salvage some of the materials from a building that is abandoned or being torn down, or from a business or apartment complex that is closing or renovating.

To get that industrial look that is so popular, you could find a stainless steel island from a restaurant that is closing down, or you can use salvaged wood to build your own kitchen island.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great place to find used or unfinished furniture and building materials. Clean up, paint, and update these pieces as needed for beautiful additions to your space.

Colorado Springs Habitat For Humanity Restore website

http://pikespeakhabitat.org/restore/

Space Savers

If you are remodeling your kitchen, there is no better time to add some great space-saving additions. Here are a few ideas:

* A pot rack can be hung from the ceiling to provide an extra space to hang pots and pans, utensils, etc.

* Build shelves into the sides of cabinets for extra space to keep spices, jars, or food wraps.

* Mount spice racks on the wall near your stove to free up cabinet space. Or make use of small extra space in cabinets to install a vertical pull-out drawer specifically for spices.

* Install taller cabinets to make use of more space in your kitchen. Keep items that you don’t use every day higher up to get them out of your way.

If you are updating appliances as well, invest in an overhead microwave. The amount of counter space you save will be worth it.

Countertops

Aside from appliances, the countertops are usually the biggest and most noticeable project for a kitchen remodel. Countertops can also be one of the more expensive upgrades, but that cost can be dampened a little.

Consider countertops made of recycled materials or concrete. Or, instead of replacing the countertops entirely, look into countertop epoxy that can be poured over your existing countertops to give them a brand new look.

A do-it-yourself kitchen remodel is certainly a project that should not be underestimated, but is definitely an obtainable goal. Of course, with any do-it-yourself project, make sure that you are being as safe as possible and call a professional if you have any trouble or questions.

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Do It Yourself Bathroom Remodels

Hilary — Thu, 02 May 2019 22:39:33 +0000

Do It Yourself Bathroom Remodels

Here are some ideas for do-it-yourself bath remodels

By HILARY JOHNSON

Do It Yourself Bathroom Remodels

If your bathrooms are out of date and falling short on style, it might be time for a remodel. You don’t have to pay a professional to get professional results, though. You can make small or even big changes to your bathrooms yourself.

Here are some ideas for do-it-yourself bath remodels that can save you time and money:

Remove or Refurbish?

A lot of times, remodeling can mean complete demolition of what is currently in the bathroom. Tearing down everything might be exactly what your remodel needs, but it also might not. You can save money as well as time and effort by simply refurbishing some of the existing furniture and appliances.

For example, you can sand down cabinets to repaint and change out the existing hardware to give your cabinets a whole new look. Depending on the material of your countertops, you might be able to keep the existing counter and have a new material poured over to create an entirely new look. Or, if you can remove the countertops easily enough, you can save and reuse the cabinets and only replace the countertops.

Keep It Simple

When doing a full remodel, try to make things a little easier on yourself by not getting too crazy. For example, when replacing your old toilet with a new one, install the new toilet in the same place as the old one to avoid cutting new holes in your floor and messing with the plumbing. For vanities and tubs, if you are replacing, aim to find replacements that are the same width to avoid having to cut into walls.

Even your tub and sinks can be refinished in some cases, saving you a lot of time and trouble – as well as money.

Tile Work

Tiling your bathroom walls or the floors can be a lot of work. You can save yourself some trouble in the future by choosing a neutral color scheme for the flooring and wall tiles. This can make it easier to redecorate in the future if your new décor scheme ever goes out of style or you want to change it.

Another good rule of thumb is to keep any extra tiles that you have after the floors and tiles are replaced. That way, if you ever need to replace or repair anything, you will have the extra material on hand rather than having to track down a style that may or may not exist in the future.

A Splash of Paint

Sometimes a new coat of paint and a few decorative items can go a long way. If you are wanting to remodel your bathroom but don’t have the time or money to do a complete remodel, you might be surprised how much impact just a small change will have.

As always, when doing any do-it-yourself projects, remember to keep safety first and always wear the appropriate safety gear, and do your research before attempting to operate any sort of machinery.

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Countertop Trends – Eco-Friendly Options for Your Home

Hilary — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 22:25:25 +0000

Countertop Trends

Eco-Friendly Options for Your Home

By HILARY JOHNSON

Countertop Trends

Eco-Friendly Options for Your Home

A big trend in countertops is eco-friendly options. Eco-friendly means that the materials for the project come from sustainable sources that are not harmful to the environment.

In today’s world, more people are learning about the benefits of building, decorating, and living in a more eco-friendly manner. To protect the planet and environment, more people are taking steps to reduce their “carbon footprint” and are choosing more ecologically sustainable materials for their home renovation projects.

Because of this rise in environmentally friendly attitudes, eco-friendly renovations and home décor have become a rising trend. Your countertops, in the kitchen and bathrooms specifically, are no exception. Eco-friendly countertop materials are not only environmentally sound, but also attractive and affordable. These countertops are trending right now, and for good reason.

Here are some popular choices for eco-friendly countertops:

Salvaged Materials

Giving your home, especially the kitchen, a rustic or almost industrial look, is quite popular. One of the best ways to accomplish this look is to “up-cycle” or make use of salvaged materials. You can rescue materials from an old building or tear-down project in your area, or visit a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and refinish old or used countertops that are already put together.

You could also make use of salvaged materials to build your own countertop. Make use of salvaged wood or large pieces of metal to build your own counters or kitchen island. Not only is this look super trendy, but what could possibly be more eco-friendly than recycling?

Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the most popular building materials, not just because it comes from a sustainable source (bamboo grows very quickly and can be harvested safely) but also because it is a beautiful material. Using bamboo for your countertops is a great way to brighten up any kitchen or bathroom, and matches almost any décor scheme.

Recycled Glass

There are some companies, such as BioGlass, that specialize in making countertop materials out of recycled glass products. These countertops are not only 100% recycled, but are also 100% beautiful. They come in six different color choices to work with your décor.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are a trend all on their own, but are also considered eco-friendly, especially if locally sourced. Concrete countertops can be ordered and cut to fit your kitchen perfectly, and are very resilient and long lasting.

Resin

Another trend in eco-friendly countertops are resin-based materials. These countertops are made of 100% post-consumer recycled products and come in the widest variety of colors and patterns of any other eco-friendly countertop materials.

Refurbishing

Technically, the most eco-friendly countertops available are the ones that are already in your home. Depending on the materials, you might be able to refinish or refurbish your existing countertops to make the least impact on the environment and still update your décor.

The biggest trends in countertops lately are the most eco-friendly choices. Not only are the materials beautiful, but they come from recycled or sustainable sources that put the least amount of impact on the environment.

The post Countertop Trends – Eco-Friendly Options for Your Home appeared first on Your Colorado Springs Realtor.

Attic Renovations

Hilary — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 22:01:31 +0000

Attic Renovations

That Give You a Big Return on Investment

By HILARY JOHNSON

Attic Renovations

That Give You a Big Return on Investment

Whether you are selling your home now, planning to in the future, or are just looking to increase the value of your home, you can do so with relatively simple attic renovations.

One of the most recommended upgrades for attics is finishing the space so that it can be an additional useable and livable area in your home. Doing so can increase the value of your home, giving you an excellent return on investment.

Finished Attic

There are many things you can do with a finished attic. Depending on the size and shape of the room you have to work with, a finished attic could act as an additional office, playroom, man cave, sitting area, or living room.

Attic Bedroom

Renovating your attic into another bedroom is an excellent way to use the space and get a big return on your investment. Another finished bedroom is always a perk when it comes to the value of your home, and a creative use of attic space as another bedroom is a great seller.

Efficiency Apartment

If you really want a huge return on your investment, go the extra mile when renovating your attic and add a bathroom and even a kitchenette to the space. In doing so, you are creating a second complete living space that can be used as an efficiency apartment. The extra bathroom and kitchen area will add extra value to your home and is extremely useful as well.

Smaller Projects with Big Payback

If you’re wanting to make some changes to your attic but are not wanting to complete a project as big as finishing the space and making it another living space, or if your attic is not large enough for another room, there are other options.

Attic Insulation

Redoing the insulation in your attic and using Energy Star rated insulation products can increase the efficiency of your home, which can save you a lot of money in heating and cooling costs. The more energy efficient your home is, the more money you save.

Approximately 40% of home energy loss occurs through the roof of your home. You can cut this down exponentially by properly insulating unused attic space.

Make sure to add insulation not only along the attic ceiling and walls, but also along the floor to seal off the attic from the living areas of your home.

Attic Fans

Another way to save a lot of money with a small renovation is to add an attic fan for home cooling. These fans circulate and disperse cooled air throughout your home, and in most climates can reduce the need to run your air conditioning systems.

All of these attic renovations can provide you with a large return on your investment. Finishing your attic and converting it into a usable living space can greatly increase the value of your home, and energy saving smaller renovations can save you a lot of money on heating and cooling.

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Affordable Lighting Upgrade

Hilary — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 21:56:45 +0000

Affordable Lighting Upgrades

You Can Do Yourself

By HILARY JOHNSON

Affordable Lighting Upgrades You Can Do Yourself

Inside or outside your home, simple lighting upgrades can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home. A change in lighting fixtures or bulbs might seem like an almost too simple answer to small home renovations, but they can really change the entire mood and atmosphere of your home.

Outdoor Lighting

The outside appearance of your home is what you choose to display to the outside world. People driving by, your neighbors, and the people that come to visit you see this outside display first. Simple and affordable lighting upgrades can make a huge difference. Certain fixtures can dress up and beautify what might otherwise be a simple décor.

Fixtures

Depending on the décor style of your home, there are many styles of lighting fixtures for outdoor lighting. For a more updated and modern look, chrome or metal colored spotlights and track lighting can brighten up your outdoor areas. If you’re looking for a more traditional or rustic style of lighting, there are lamps and sconces for literally every décor scheme.

Motion Sensors

For security as well as convenience, motion sensors are an excellent lighting upgrade that every home should have. Motion sensors can be placed at every entrance to the home as well as fence gates and other dark or shadowy areas of your home and yard. Whenever you or someone else walks by or opens the door, the lights automatically come on. This is not only convenient to you, but also adds another level of security to discourage intruders.

Path Lighting

For sidewalks, driveways, or other paths, lighting can be added along the sides for both safety and aesthetics. Simple lighting along both sides of your driveway not only guides vehicles safely to your home, but also creates a beautiful atmosphere and adds character to your home.

Indoor Lighting

In every room of your house, the lighting makes the biggest difference to the atmosphere and décor. Lighting that is too bright or too dim can change the outcome of your color scheme and decorative additions that you have spent time and money working on.

Kitchen and Bathrooms

In most homes, kitchen and bathroom lighting is meant to be bright and inviting. In the kitchen especially, the light needs to be bright enough to see everything you need to without coming across as too clinical.

Track lighting is one example of a simple and affordable upgrade for kitchen and bathroom lighting that not only lights up a space well, but can also highlight your décor scheme and add a modern or traditional look depending on your choice of fixtures.

Living Areas

Consider using a dimmer for the lighting in your living areas. A dimmer can allow you to set just enough light, and change the mood of the room as needed.

Decorative lighting should also not be overlooked. Adding small lamps and spotlights around your house, especially near art or decorative pieces, can really update your home.

Simple and affordable lighting upgrades can change the overall look of your home, inside or outside.

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